Can I Get a Document Notarised if I Am Outside the UK?
- S Najam
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated for 2026
If you are living, working or travelling outside the United Kingdom, you may be wondering whether you can still have your documents notarised by an English notary.
In many cases, the answer is yes.
Modern technology enables many clients to instruct an English notary without travelling to the United Kingdom, provided the document is suitable for remote notarisation and the applicable legal and professional requirements can be satisfied.
At Staple Inn Notaries, we regularly assist British expatriates, international business owners, overseas investors, foreign nationals and multinational companies requiring English notarial services from almost anywhere in the world.
Whether you are in Dubai, Singapore, New York, Sydney, Paris or elsewhere, we may be able to assist without you needing to travel to London.
Why Would Someone Outside the UK Need an English Notary?
There are many situations where documents must be notarised by a notary authorised to practise in England and Wales.
Common examples include:
signing Powers of Attorney for use overseas;
purchasing or selling overseas property;
incorporating or managing companies;
opening overseas bank accounts;
certifying passports and identity documents;
notarising academic qualifications;
preparing company resolutions;
certifying commercial agreements;
dealing with probate and inheritance matters; and
providing documents required by overseas government authorities.
Many of these matters can be handled without the client physically attending our office.
Can Everything Be Done Online?
Not always.
Whether your document can be notarised remotely depends upon:
the type of document;
the country where it will be used;
the requirements of the receiving authority;
whether your identity can be verified remotely;
whether the document must be signed in the notary's presence; and
whether the professional requirements governing English notaries permit remote notarisation.
Every matter is assessed individually before we advise whether an online appointment is appropriate.
Who Uses Our Online Notary Service?
Our remote clients include:
British Citizens Living Overseas
Many expatriates require English notarisation for UK legal matters, overseas investments or family affairs.
International Property Investors
Property transactions often require notarised Powers of Attorney or certified documents for use abroad.
Company Directors
Businesses frequently require notarised corporate documents for international transactions, overseas subsidiaries or foreign regulators.
Overseas Lawyers
We regularly work with law firms throughout the world requiring English notarisation for their clients.
International Families
Families dealing with probate, inheritance, trusts or estate administration often require documents to be notarised for use across multiple jurisdictions.
What Documents Can Often Be Dealt With Remotely?
Subject to individual assessment, examples include:
Powers of Attorney;
company documents;
Certificates of Incorporation;
Certificates of Good Standing;
commercial agreements;
board resolutions;
certified copies of passports;
certified copies of university degrees;
identity documents;
corporate authorities; and
various electronic documents for international use.
Suitability depends upon the specific circumstances of each matter.
What Information Will I Need to Provide?
To enable us to assess your matter efficiently, we will usually ask you to provide:
the document requiring notarisation;
your passport;
proof of your residential address;
details of the country where the document will be used;
any instructions received from the overseas authority; and
your preferred times for an online appointment.
Reviewing these documents in advance helps us determine whether remote notarisation is appropriate before your appointment takes place.
How Does the Process Work?
Our objective is to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Step 1 – Book Your Appointment
Choose a convenient appointment using our online booking calendar.
Step 2 – Send Your Documents
Email your documents and identification in advance for review.
Step 3 – We Review Your Matter
We assess whether your document is suitable for remote notarisation and whether any additional legalisation may be required.
Step 4 – Online Consultation
You attend a secure video appointment with the notary.
During the consultation we verify your identity, confirm your understanding of the document and complete the notarial process where appropriate.
Step 5 – Apostille and Legalisation
If your document requires a Hague Apostille or embassy legalisation, we can advise you on the next steps and, where instructed, arrange these services on your behalf.
Do I Need an Apostille?
Many overseas authorities require both:
notarisation; and
a Hague Apostille.
Some countries also require embassy or consular legalisation after the Apostille has been obtained.
We can advise which legalisation procedure applies to your particular destination country.
What If My Country Requires Original Documents?
Some authorities still require:
paper documents;
original signatures;
original notarial seals; and
traditional paper Apostilles.
If this applies to your matter, we will explain the requirements before proceeding and discuss the most appropriate way to complete your transaction.
Why Choose Staple Inn Notaries?
Clients throughout the world choose Staple Inn Notaries because we offer:
experienced English notarial services;
responsive communication;
practical advice on international documentation;
assistance with Apostilles and legalisation;
secure online consultations where appropriate;
Central London appointments when required; and
efficient handling of cross-border matters.
Our objective is to make international notarisation as simple and efficient as possible while ensuring compliance with the professional requirements governing English notaries.
Book Your Online Appointment
If you are outside the United Kingdom and require the services of an English notary, the first step is to arrange a consultation.
You can book an appointment online at a time convenient to your time zone.
Book your appointment here:
If, after reviewing your documents, we determine that a personal appointment is required, we will explain the reasons and discuss the available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to travel to England to use an English notary?
Not necessarily. Many matters can be dealt with remotely, provided the document and receiving jurisdiction permit remote notarisation and the applicable professional requirements can be satisfied.
Can you assist clients in any country?
We regularly assist clients throughout the world. However, the suitability of remote notarisation depends upon the document and the legal requirements of the country where it will be used.
What if my document requires an original notarial seal?
Where an original paper document is required, we will explain the process and arrange the appropriate form of notarisation.
Can you arrange an Apostille?
Yes. We can advise whether your document requires an Apostille or embassy legalisation and assist with the process where instructed.
How quickly can I obtain an appointment?
Appointments are often available within a short timeframe, and urgent appointments may be available depending on the nature of the matter.
About Staple Inn Notaries
Staple Inn Notaries is a Central London notarial practice advising private individuals, businesses, law firms and international organisations on cross-border legal documentation. We provide professional notarial services, Apostilles, embassy legalisation and, where appropriate, secure remote notarisation for clients throughout England and Wales and internationally. Our aim is to deliver efficient, practical and reliable solutions for clients wherever they are in the world.
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